Mt. Lebanon teacher accused of inappropriate communication

March 7, 2013

An arrest warrant was issued Thursday for a teacher in the music department of Mt. Lebanon School District after a graduate contacted the district Monday, claiming inappropriate communications of a sexual nature before and after the male student graduated.

Jason Greenawalt was removed from the classroom and was suspended, said Cissy Bowman, communications director for the district.

The arrest warrant alleges corruption of a minor, unlawful contact with a minor and criminal use of a communication facility, said Mt. Lebanon police Lt. Aaron Lauth.

In a news release Thursday, Bowman said the district requires all employees to have state and federal criminal clearances before employment and Greenawalt’s clearances did not indicate any previous violations.

The district notified parents Thursday of Greenawalt’s suspension.

“As you can imagine, I am deeply disheartened by these events,” wrote Superintendent Timothy J. Steinhauer. “I want you to know the district’s top priority is the safety and security of each and every student. We take this responsibility very seriously and work diligently to follow the comprehensive policies and guidelines that are in place to protect students.”

Greenawalt has taught at the high school since 2004 and was the high school choir director for grades nine to 12, Bowman said.

He was also the musical director, oversaw choral activities and was the band auxiliary sponsor. The district did not release his age or address.

Lauth said the alleged communication between Greenawalt and the male student occurred between November 2010 and June.

Greenawalt was expected to turn himself in to police at 9 a.m. today at the office of District Judge Blaise Larotonda, Lauth said.

Parents or students who may have any information or concerns about the issue are encouraged to contact Mt. Lebanon police.

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